NC MarketReady

The Program for Value-Added and Alternative Agriculture recently launched two new sections on this Web site. These online resources for the North Carolina Value-Added Cost Share program (NCVACS) and Cooperative Development provide agricultural producers with information about a new funding opportunity for value-added enterprises and outline the steps for creating an agricultural cooperative.

N.C. Value-Added Cost Share

The first granting cycle of the North Carolina Value-Added Cost Share program (NCVACS) was recently announced in conjunction with the launch of the Web site. A $1.2 million grant from the Tobacco Trust Fund Commission supports NCVACS, which complements the USDA Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG) by offsetting the costs (by approximately 50 percent) to value-added producers for professional services and equipment purchases.

There are three components to the NCVACS program. In the fall of 2009 and 2010, North Carolina producers can apply for funding to assist with two components of the program consisting of professional services. NCVACS will award cost share funding to support 1) VAPG Grant Writing (up to $3,500), and 2) Enterprise Feasibility Assessment and Business Plan Development (up to $20,000). The cost share program will reduce the costs associated with these professional services by approximately 50 percent.

In the spring of 2010 and 2011, North Carolina producers demonstrating a feasible enterprise can apply for Equipment cost share funding. The Web site provides support resources to potential applicants, Extension agents and cooperating professionals. The site includes further information about the VAPG program, NCVACS guidelines and the NCVACS application. 

The deadline for the first granting cycle of the NCVACS program is September 1, 2009. For more information about NCVACS, as well as the 2009 NCVACS application, click here.

Cooperative Development

The Cooperative Development materials were compiled through funding from the USDA Rural Development program to assist N.C. farmers and stimulate economic growth in the state’s agriculture industry. Areas of the Cooperative Development section include Defining Cooperative, Starting a Cooperative, Cooperative Feasibility Studies, Cooperative Membership, Cooperative Resources and Cooperative History. Links to some Spanish materials are available.

To review the Cooperative Development materials, click here.